1
as in sources
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in roots
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in lineages
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of origins
The phrase apparently traces its origins to a 2021 post in an online forum run by Chinese search giant Baidu.
—
Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
The timeline, whose origins are unclear, said Barket had authenticated the note as of January 2020.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 7 May 2026
Excavations in Liang Bua cave on Flores in 2003 discovered a tiny species of human that rocked the world of human origins.
—Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
The Bankers’ Bar is lined with vault drawers, calling back to the building’s origins as the headquarters of a 1950s bank.
—Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
Sarah Polk's Hickory Nut Cake is of humble origins.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
There’s hope that there might be some Iron Lung fever with this project starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve given its rabid social media origins.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Two Argentine officials investigating the origins of the outbreak said the government’s leading hypothesis is that a Dutch couple contracted the virus while bird-watching in Ushuaia, Argentina, before boarding.
—Annie Risemberg, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Its exact origins are unknown, but it was most likely discovered in South India in the 13th century.
—Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
The timeline, whose origins are unclear, said Barket had authenticated the note as of January 2020.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 7 May 2026
Excavations in Liang Bua cave on Flores in 2003 discovered a tiny species of human that rocked the world of human origins.
—Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026
The Bankers’ Bar is lined with vault drawers, calling back to the building’s origins as the headquarters of a 1950s bank.
—Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 7 May 2026
Sarah Polk's Hickory Nut Cake is of humble origins.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
There’s hope that there might be some Iron Lung fever with this project starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve given its rabid social media origins.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Two Argentine officials investigating the origins of the outbreak said the government’s leading hypothesis is that a Dutch couple contracted the virus while bird-watching in Ushuaia, Argentina, before boarding.
—Annie Risemberg, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Its exact origins are unknown, but it was most likely discovered in South India in the 13th century.
—Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for origins
Noun
-
The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential negotiations.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
But sources inside the island involved in delivering the aid, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, said the Catholic Church’s infrastructure would not be able to handle a massive influx of humanitarian aid.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Instead of focusing on competition, Tucci’s culinary endeavors have centered on reconnecting with his Italian roots.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
Whole herbs and roots use the plant in its most natural state, while powders are ground down into an easy-to-mix format.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Last week, the fellows presented their culturally sustainable materials that center Black community histories and lineages for young learners ages 3-7.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Last week, the fellows presented their culturally sustainable materials that center Black community histories and lineages for young learners ages 3-7.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the sweet video, Steinfeld lifts her black sweatshirt to reveal her baby bump, which her husband then kisses and cradles; the two frolic in the snow looking so in love.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
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Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times.—
Rachel Swan,
San Francisco Chronicle,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Humble beginnings Menjívar arrived undocumented in the United States at age 18, fleeing a bloody civil war in El Salvador, stowed away in a car to avoid detection at the border.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
Over the last two years, the actress has reportedly picked up two neighboring properties in the area, creating what already looks like the beginnings of a private compound spread across roughly half an acre.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Eastern and western ancestries in Karelian Mesolithic dogs suggest that two lineages diverged during the Paleolithic.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
-
That drops to 49% for Hispanic/Latino patients, 29% for Black patients and even lower for mixed ancestries, the NMDP reports.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Miller, Smith and Guilbeau are a trio of undrafted rookies with interesting college pedigrees.—
Mike Kaye
Updated May 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
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This year’s list of the hot new restaurants covers the latest and greatest, including tiny but mighty dining rooms that punch well above their weight, and hotel fine diners with prestigious pedigrees.—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The seal texts often introduced the owners with their names, genealogies, gender, professions and hometowns.—
Serdar Yalçin,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
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Transcripts, grammars, vocabularies, dictionaries, glyph studies, botanical studies, commentaries, articles, editions of codices, correspondence, maps, charts, drawings, photographs, Maya Society materials, genealogies of Maya families, and Mayan glyphs on moveable type.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Origins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origins. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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